High-dose creatine, 10g daily, anyone do this long-term?

TL;DR: Anyone here taken 10g of creatine daily for a long time? What were the effects?

So, I've been on this creatine train for a while now, and I decided to bump my dosage up to 10g a day. You know, just to see if I can finally get those gains that seem to always elude me, like that sock I lost in the dryer that haunts my dreams. I've done the whole mono vs HCL debate in my head, and honestly, I just ended up sticking with the classic creatine monohydrate because, well, it's cheap and seems to do the trick.

But here's the kicker. I've read mixed reviews about taking high doses long-term. Some people swear by it, claiming they feel more explosive in the gym and have better recovery. Others say it's just a one-way ticket to cramping and gastrointestinal issues. I'm stuck in this existential dread of wondering if I'm slowly morphing into a science experiment gone wrong. So, has anyone here been in the trenches with 10g of creatine daily for a long stretch? Any thoughts on the long-term effects? Did you get swole or just feel like a bloated mess?

At this point, I'm just hoping it won't turn out like my last attempt at following a meal prep plan, where I ended up eating cereal for a week straight because cooking was too hard. Anyway, hit me with your experiences. I'm ready to embrace the chaos.

5 comments

Comments

u/creatine_supremacy·24 days ago

10g of creatine daily? That's straight up creatine supremacy! Been on that dosage for a year and honestly, my workouts feel like they're on steroids (without the whole illegal part). The gains are real, but hydration is key to avoid feeling like a bloated mess. Just keep drinking water, fam.

u/gainsandgrains·24 days ago

Going high-dose with creatine can be effective, but long-term, you might want to keep an eye on how your body reacts. Some studies suggest that 3-5g is sufficient for most people. Have you tried cycling it? I did that once and my gains were still solid, plus it felt less taxing on my stomach.

u/crossfit_mama·24 days ago

^^^ facts! I think creatine is great, but there's a sweet spot for everyone. Personally, I find 5g works best for me, especially with my CrossFit workouts. You might also want to pay attention to your carbs; they help with absorption. Experiment a bit to see what feels right!

u/bro_split_bro_420·24 days ago

Honestly, I've been taking 10g for a while and while my lifts are getting better, I've noticed some cramps. Maybe consider splitting the dose? 5g before and after your workout can help. You don't want to be stuck in the gym with your stomach in knots.

u/squat_to_pizza_5132·24 days ago

Bro, if you're not getting gains, you might need to look elsewhere than creatine! Maybe add some pizza to your post-workout meal. Nothing beats a good slice for recovery! But fr, keep tracking how you feel. That sock in the dryer might be a bigger issue.